In the Wilderness

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses author Henry David Thoreau's writings relating to the American idea (and ideal) of the wilderness. The writer explains that Thoreau wrote about the spiritual bond between humans and the natural world and that Thoreau's work ranged widely from writings on nature to justice and truth. In addition, the writer looks at how Thoreau combines the ideas of the study of nature as well as the more transcendental approach of contemplation and unconscious attachment. The writer also looks and compares Thoreau's ideas to the beliefs of John Muir regarding wilderness. Further, the writer discusses the development of Thoreau's ideas in his works.

From the Paper:

"In fact, adds Oeschlaeger, Muir does not only go beyond transcendentalism, but includes dimensions that even Thoreau's idea wilderness did not attain. Why is it, then, that Muir does not always have the recognition he deserved? The first reason is that he wrote significantly much more as a naturalistic essayist in the tradition of Gilbert White than a systematic philosopher. Although there is philosophical prose in his work, he does not push his arguments but is discrete in his approach. There is a relentless questioning of anthropocentric viewpoints on nature and a regular acceptance of a biocentric perspective where humans have developed into an empathetic part of nature instead of a scientific observer separate from it.
Secondly, Muir's approach is more theological than philosophical. His love for nature is so great, that he can not divorce his ideas about God from what he sees around him."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Thoreau, H.D. "Walk through Wachusetts. 2 December 2005
• http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/transcendentalism/authors/thoreau/wachusetts.html
• Thoreau, H.D. "Walden Pond" Chapter 9, 11. 2 December 2005.
• http://www.literaturepage.com/read/walden-131.html
• http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/t/thoreau/henry_david/walden/chapter11.html

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• Book Review # 131731 : "The Wilderness in " Heart of Darkness"

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